Half Day Fishing Trip - Matlacha, Florida
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, sea trout, snook, and sheepshead inshorePrivate trips accommodate up to 6 guests maximumCaptain Whitney Hall provides local knowledge and guidance
Get ready to experience some of Florida's best inshore fishing in the legendary waters around Matlacha and Pine Island. Captain Whitney Hall knows these flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish whether you've been casting a line for decades or just picked up your first rod. This half-day adventure launches from 4278 Pine Island Rd and targets four of Southwest Florida's most sought-after species: redfish, snook, sea trout, and sheepshead. With options for 4 or 6-hour trips, you'll have plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some serious fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. Captain Whitney runs a private charter that accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have his full attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The boat launches into some of the most productive inshore waters on Florida's Gulf Coast, where grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars create the perfect habitat for trophy fish. Depending on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns, you might find yourself sight-fishing shallow flats one minute and working structure in deeper water the next. Whitney adjusts the game plan based on what's working best, which means you're always fishing the hot spots rather than wasting time on dead water. The relaxed atmosphere makes this trip perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo anglers looking to learn from a local pro.
Inshore fishing around Matlacha requires a different approach than offshore deep-sea fishing, and Captain Whitney has the local knowledge to make sure you're using the right techniques for each species and situation. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along mangrove edges, or sight-casting to tailing redfish on shallow flats. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, including rods matched to the target species and a variety of baits and lures that consistently produce in these waters. Live bait is often the key to success here, with shrimp, pinfish, and pilchards being local favorites. If you're new to inshore fishing, Whitney will walk you through proper casting techniques, how to read the water, and what signs to look for when fish are feeding. Experienced anglers will appreciate his willingness to try different approaches and his knowledge of seasonal migration patterns that can make the difference between a good day and an epic one.
The waters around Matlacha and Pine Island are home to four species that keep anglers coming back trip after trip. Redfish, also called red drum, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing here. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and can be found year-round, with fish ranging from slot-sized 18-27 inchers up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag. Fall and winter months are particularly productive for reds, when cooler water temperatures get them feeding aggressively. What makes redfish so exciting is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their bulldogging fight that'll make your arms burn.
Snook are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and the mangrove-lined waters around Pine Island provide perfect habitat for these ambush predators. These silver-sided fighters are most active during warmer months, with peak action typically from April through October. Snook are structure-oriented fish that love to hang around docks, mangrove roots, and oyster bars, making them a blast to target with both live bait and artificials. Their acrobatic jumps and line-stripping runs make every hookup memorable, and their excellent table fare makes them a favorite among locals.
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are schooling fish that can provide fast action when you locate feeding schools. These spotted beauties prefer grass flats and drop-offs, where they hunt in groups for shrimp and baitfish. Spring and fall months tend to produce the largest trout, with fish over 20 inches being common during these periods. What anglers love about sea trout is their willingness to bite artificials, making them perfect for practicing your lure presentation skills.
Sheepshead round out the slam with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These bait-stealers are most active during cooler months, typically December through April, when they move into shallow water to spawn. Found around any type of structure, particularly oyster bars and bridges, sheepshead require patience and finesse to hook consistently. Their notorious ability to steal bait without getting hooked has earned them the nickname "convict fish," but once you figure out their bite, they provide excellent action and some of the best eating in the Gulf.
Half-day trips with Matlacha Saltwater Outfitters offer the perfect introduction to Southwest Florida's world-class inshore fishing scene. Whether you choose the 4-hour option for a quick morning bite or extend to 6 hours for a more comprehensive fishing experience, you'll be working with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. The combination of diverse target species, varied fishing techniques, and productive year-round fishing makes this a top-rated choice for both visiting anglers and locals looking to up their game. With Captain Whitney's expert guidance and the incredible fishery around Pine Island, you're set up for the kind of day that creates lasting memories and keeps you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Our 28-foot Ballistic center console is built for serious fishing around Matlacha's productive waters. Twin Yamaha 150s get you to the fish fast, while the spacious layout comfortably handles up to six anglers. This boat comes loaded with everything you need - radar and GPS for navigation, fish finder to locate your targets, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky reds and snook in shallow water. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained between bites, while the icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With VHF radio for safety and a toilet onboard, you're set for a full day chasing redfish, sea trout, and sheepshead around Pine Island's flats and backcountry. Captain Whitney knows exactly where to find them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our Matlacha flats fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with their distinctive black spots typically range from 18-28 inches, with slot-sized fish being perfect for dinner. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power - they'll peel drag and make long runs in shallow water. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, sweet meat. The secret is sight fishing: look for their tails sticking up while they root around for crabs, then drop your bait quietly about 3 feet ahead of them and wait for the explosion.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are perfect for anglers wanting steady action on light tackle. These silvery fish with black spots average 14-18 inches, with plenty of 2-3 pounders mixed in. You'll find them over grass flats in 3-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and potholes. Cool weather from fall through spring brings the best fishing when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are aggressive feeders that hit both artificials and live bait hard, making them great for beginners and kids. They're also excellent on the table - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Key tip: work your lure slowly over the grass beds and listen for their distinctive croaking sound when you bring them to the boat - that means they're happy and feeding actively.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our flats - those black and white stripes make them easy to spot around dock pilings and bridges. Most run 2-4 pounds and 14-18 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 6-8 pounder. They stick close to structure where they pick barnacles and crabs off the pilings, usually in 8-15 feet of water. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves with their human-like teeth. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait pinned tight to the bottom, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most prized catches here in Matlacha waters. These sleek fish with their signature black lateral line typically run 18-24 inches, though we see plenty of bigger females pushing 30+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around moving water during tide changes. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make multiple runs and try every trick to throw the hook. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast your lure or live bait tight to structure and be ready - when they hit, they hit hard and fast.
Pine Island